What’s that lyric in the Crue’s Kick Start My Heart ? ‘Some Years Gone By I’d Say We’ve Kicked Some Ass’ ?…. uh-huh. I was reminded of that when I recently spent an evening at the feet of the no-nonsense Angel – Rick Brewster – who shredded his way through hit after Angels hit – with a bunch of killer new tunes thrown in to the set as well. You see I was tempted to go see the once mighty Crue, in town supporting Kiss – but chose the Dave Gleeson-fronted Angels instead. Smart move Mr Rockbrat – smart move. You see whilst Motley continue to ply the ‘bad-ass-junkie’ card to remain vital – they have in fact – not kicked any ‘ass’ in donkey’s years – ahem. Unlike the mighty Angel City – led by the black-clad Brewster brothers who are every inch – the real rock n roll deal. But I am getting ahead of myself.

Tonight’s gig sees western Sydney hard rock warriors Black Label open up proceedings. No posing. No pouting. Just loud, authentic no bullshit rock n roll – performed by guys who always deliver the goods. Formed 25 years back – Black Label have big, loud riffs, mean hooks and killer tunes to boot. Heavily influenced by Angus and Malcolm, the Rosie Tatts (and this evening’s headliners) their set is well received by the early arriving punters. Bassist Laurie Marlow and singer Steve Mulry have been playing the sweaty pub rock circuit for years – are held in high regard with the Rockbrat staff…and it was a pleasure to chat with them after the show. Bands like this are the real deal – and are in essence the very life blood of true Australian rock n roll. Black Label make current day Guns n Roses look like the Osmonds…..and you can quote me on that !

Rick Brewster: black- clad and ice cool as always

The headline act are a part of me – I mean, who doesn’t dig the Angels – right ? I was, at first, skeptical about Dave Gleeson stepping into Doc’s shoes – but you know what ? The live-wire Screaming Jet looks right at home in this iconic Australian outfit – a band whom I consider just as important as AC/DC in the history of Australian music. Replacing a singer is often doomed to fail (INXS with Jon Stevens, Suze DeMarchi, Terence Trent D’Arby (insert random name here), Queen with Paul Rogers, The Faces with that fat idiot from Simply Red (Noel Gallagher’s description not mine!) etc etc. Where these outfits have failed – the Angels have succeeded. One song in and the evidence is there for all to see.

Gleeson has always had a great rock voice and in my opinion – has earned the right to sing these iconic tunes. His zany-ocker stage presence blends in well with the no-nonsense Brewsters and he is the perfect guy to take this band forward. My brain is still buzzing from the volume of Rick Brewster’s amp, but I can recall tunes like Shadow Boxer, Take A Long Line, Marseilles, No Exit, Face The Day, Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again, Devil’s Gate, Straight Jacket, Mr Damage and I Aint The One being belted out. This was indeed a night to cherish and I will be taking in more Angels gigs soon. Closing thoughts ? Wth Gleeson on board, a new album ‘Take It to the Streets’ in tow – and a set comprised of an astounding back-catalogue (with some new tunes thrown in too) there is plenty of life in the mighty Angels yet… Be sure to make an effort to see them when they play your town ! With no apologies to Nikki Sixx – if anyone has kicked ass in years gone by – it is this lot – yet they still can – and then some ! [Official Angels Site – Black Label Australia]